module specification

This module is designed to further students’ knowledge and proficiency in drug calculation, medication administration, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of medications. From the starting point of working to the NMC Code students will be introduced to the rules and regulations surrounding drug administration including legal and safety precautions, drug storage and disposal. The module focuses on medications prescribed in commonly encountered patient conditions; focusing on safe administration of drugs through oral, Intravenous, intramuscular, topical and subcutaneous routes, with opportunities to practise these skills in context offered in the year 2 simulated and clinical practice placements (NR5W02).

Knowledge of pharmacology and the ability to recognise the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivities, side effects, contraindications, incompatibilities and adverse reactions. Antimicrobial stewardship is also key: we will build upon knowledge from year one of the course to explore infection prevention and the appropriate use of anti-biotics in the context of reduced immunity to certain infections such as MRSA. We will address the mis-prescription of antibiotics in disease where virus or fungal infection, rather than bacterial infection is present, and why this occurs. The module will explore pandemic response and other health surveillance (communicable diseases).

The module will also discuss the impact of prescribing and administration errors and the impact of age, co-morbidity, polypharmacy, illicit drug and over the counter medication usage. It explores how the NMC duty of candour must be used supportively to declare medication administration and prescribing errors, promote patient safety and learn from mistakes.

The concept of concordance will be explored and give consideration to promoting this in patients and service users with a range of mental, physical and learning disabilities, enabling them and their carers to manage their medication independently in the home environment.

Patient assessment, indications and contraindications for medicine administration.

Physiology and effects of allergy, adverse reaction, side effects.

Drug and intravenous fluid calculations.

Administration of controlled drugs.

Safe administration of drugs utilising the six rights of drug administration.

Routes of administration and monitoring outcomes and adverse reactions, allergies.

The effects of polypharmacy and use of illicit substances.

Promotion of medication concordance using communication and health promotion.

The module will utilise a range of learning and teaching strategies including lectures from clinical and academic experts, small group teaching and seminar groups. Students will learn skills of drug administration through the use of simulated drug rounds taking place within simulated ward and community settings. The module will also integrate round table events with people with lived experience to pharmacology lectures, physiology lectures.

At the end of this module you will be able to:

1. Identify and apply the principles of infection prevention and control, including communicable disease surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship and resistance.

2. Communicate accurate information that promotes safe administration of prescribed medications, to people accessing services, their families and carers, recognising the impact of polypharmacy, street drugs and over the counter medication usage on prescription medications.

3. Analyse and evaluate the principles of safe and effective administration and optimisation of medicines in accordance with local and national policies, demonstrating accuracy when calculating dosages of prescribed medicines.

4. Define and investigate the effects of medicines, such  as allergy, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications, incompatibilities, adverse reactions and their effects on patient or service user care and experience.
 
5. Synthesise and reflect upon information and ideas across numeracy, literacy, digital and technological skills required to ensure safe and effective nursing practice and positive health outcomes.

Available at: https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/EC709D61-DB9E-A119-210F-77CC5972D5F1.html?lang=en